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Although surgery is the only treatment that will cure a cataract, there are some measures that may help control some symptoms of cataracts.
Some of these measures may help slow the progression, as well.
General Guidelines for Managing Cataracts
Wearing UVA and UVB blocking sunglasses can help reduce glare and bright sunlight that affects people with cataracts.
Wear A Hat
Wearing a hat can also protect your eyes from sunlight and fluorescent light.
Avoid Fluorescent Light
Avoiding fluorescent light can help reduce glare that causes vision difficulty for some people with cataracts. Standard bulbs or special lamps can help reduce glare indoors.
Consider Nutritional Supplements
Some nutritional supplements, such as antioxidant multivitamins, may help slow the progression of cataracts. A daily multivitamin is good for your general health as well. Talk to you doctor about which nutritional supplements are appropriate for you.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Cataract surgery is much safer and more successful than in the past. Today some eye doctors and surgeons recommend having cataract surgery sooner rather than later because delaying the surgery may make it more difficult to perform.
Removing a cataract is rarely an emergency, therefore it should not be performed until you feel ready to have the surgery.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
website. Available at:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information.
17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Eye Institute website. Available at: